Costa Rica: Producers request immediate support to promote consumption of domestic potatoes

The problem doesn’t lie in production. According to producers, significant investment has been made in supplies, fertilizers, and labor to guarantee supply. However, they are currently facing serious difficulties in marketing their products in the local market, raising concerns within the sector.

The Potato Growers Association has expressed its concern, warning that if domestic consumption does not increase, significant economic losses are at risk. Therefore, the appeal is directed not only to families, but also to hotels, restaurants, and government authorities, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, to enable and diversify marketing channels.

This is no small matter. Over the past year, the country had to reject more than 250,000 kilos of imported potatoes for failing to meet phytosanitary requirements. This reinforces the producers’ argument regarding the quality and safety of the domestic product.

In addition to the economic impact, farmers emphasize that Costa Rican potatoes stand out for being fresh, high-quality, and grown using environmentally friendly practices. All of this gives them added value compared to imported products, whose traceability is often unknown.

The issue extends beyond the agricultural sector, as it also directly affects consumers. Potatoes remain an essential food in the daily diet, due to their ability to provide energy, potassium to regulate blood pressure, vitamin B6, and powerful antioxidants that contribute to better health.

The message is clear: what’s at stake is not just a harvest, but also the livelihoods of hundreds of families and the country’s food security. In this context, the decision begins the moment you fill your shopping cart at the supermarket.